Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure-Zimpapers Politics Hub
WAR VETERANS have started applying for for loans from the revolving fund of US$1,5 million under the Presidential War Veterans now being disbursed across all 10 provinces.
Each province is getting at least US$150 000 to ensure all members access the funds from the district level.
The intended beneficiaries are expected to apply for the revolving funds through their district structures, that will later send the loan forms to their provinces for approval.
The provinces will then them to the to the Secretary for War Veterans Douglas Mahiya for consideration.
The amount of funds will be determined by the scope of the project intended.
The fund is spearheaded by President Mnangagwa as part of his commitment to improve the welfare of war veterans and their widows across the country.
After establishing their businesses, the beneficiaries are required to repay the loans through the provincial bank to ensure the fund’s sustainability.
The fund will be continuously reviewed and increased based on the honesty and diligence of beneficiaries in repaying the loans, so that others can also benefit. Those who do not repay will see deductions from their pensions.
Zanu PF Secretary for War Veterans Cde Douglas Mahiya said the fund was meant to empower war veterans and the widows of war-veterans.He said the first batch is for war veterans, while the widows of war-veterans are expected to benefit from the second batch.
“For one to access the funds, we instructed the provincial leadership to allow district leadership to select members they think are eligible to get the funds.
“We need to kick-start them. Those recommended are expected to fill in their loan forms. The forms will be sent to their provinces for due diligence.
“After the province’s recommendation, all forms are sent to the national secretary to scrutinise further,” said Cde Mahiya.
Some provinces have already submitted their forms to the national level for consideration.
“I have already received some forms from Matabeleland South. After my approval, I will then send them to the Office of the President for further scrutiny, who will then send the forms to the provinces where the provincial chairman of the party Zanu PF and the chairman of the War Veterans League hand over the requested funds to the beneficiaries.
“In every province, the War Veterans League has a bank account, so the monies will be paid back through the provincial account without interest. We have also informed the beneficiaries that if they fail to account for the money, we will recover the money from their pensions,” he said.
War veterans remain a vital part of Zimbabwe’s development, offering leadership at both community and national levels. During the 2023 harmonised elections, they played a key role in mobilising support for the ruling party and defending the ethos of the liberation struggle.
The Presidential War Veterans Fund reflects Government’s recognition of the contributions made by war veterans, ex-political prisoners, detainees, restrictees, non-combatant cadres, and war collaborators.
